Body Armor Vest Campaign Underway

TYLER – A campaign is underway to raise funds for body armor vests for the Tyler Police Department and Smith County Sheriff’s Department. State Senator Kevin Eltife announced earlier this month a $20,000 contribution and the City of Tyler committed to half the cost of the vests for each officer. At a news conference Monday, Eltife announced the total cost for the vests is: $204,400. The City will pay $67,900 and the County will pay $34,300 and, along with Eltife’s contribution, the remaining $82,000 is the goal of the We Back Our Law Enforcement Campaign.

The We Back our Law Enforcement Campaign Committee has been announced to help in the fundraising effort. Committee members include:
Senator Kevin Eltife, Chairman
Mayor Martin Heines, Co – Chairman
Robert Bailes
Barbara Bass
Nelson Clyde
Susan Davis
JoAnn Fleming
Ric Freeman
Bobby Garmon
Rev Reginald Garrett
Randy Grooms
Mike Hogan
Gaylord Hughey
Diannia Jackson
Robert Peltier
Gus Ramirez
Debbie Roosth
Joey Seeber
Gene Shull
Sheriff Larry Smith
Brandon Steele
Chief Jimmy Toler
Patrick Willis

Individuals and businesses may contribute to the “We Back Our Law Enforcement Fund” set up at the East Texas Communities Foundation. Go online to http://www.etcf.org> or to the link
https://www.securedserver.net/etcf/lawenforcement.php to contribute using a credit card.

In addition, gifts by check should be made payable to “East Texas Communities Foundation” with “We Back Our Law Enforcement” included in the memo line. Checks may be mailed to ETCF, 315 North Broadway, Suite 210, Tyler, Texas 75702 or delivered in person to the same address between 8:00am and 5:00pm Monday through Friday.